Tutorix Editor User Manual

 

Version 2.0 / 01/25/2004

 

Copyright © 2002 – 2004 Mindleads Technology


Contents

 

Copyright 4

Document Conventions 5

Icons 5

Typographic Conventions 5

Preface. 6

System Requirements 7

Hardware. 7

Software. 7

Install Tutorix. 8

Install from CD-ROM.. 8

Install from Installation File (Download) 8

Installation Process 9

Application of Tutorix. 17

Getting started. 17

Edit Mode. 18

Play Mode. 18

Record Tutorials 19

General 19

Recording of Raw Version. 20

Edit Tutorials 22

Rework Raw Version. 22

Verification of Steps 22

Field Size of Interaction. 24

Adjust Position of Agent 25

Adjust Gesture Right of Agent 25

Changing Text in Bubbles 28

Dispense Bubble Text Randomly. 29

Bubble Events 30

Configure Fields of Interaction. 32

Keyboard Interaction. 32

Defining Multiple Triggerkeys 33

Mouse Interaction. 34

Additional Options for Keyboard Field of Interaction. 34

Change Color and Pattern of Field of Interaction. 35

Position Voice Output 36

Individual Nomination of Single Steps 37

Task Description. 38

Meaning of Icons in Task Description Window. 39

Short Description of Tutorial 40

Global Agent Options 41

Welcome Picture / Set Welcome Announcement 42

Playing Tutorials 43

Printing Tutorials 45

Extended Tutorial Settings 47

Import Screenshot 47

Edit Screenshot 47

Export Screenshot 48

Program Settings 49

Define Default Agent 49

Set Default Language. 49

Default Path for Tutorials 50

Adjust Compression. 50

Configure Picture Editor 51

Technical Information. 52

File Format 52

Command Line Parameters 52

Change Default Voice Output 53

Required Files 54

Registry Settings 55

Support codes and their Significance. 57

 

Copyright

 

Copyright © 2002 - 2004 Mindleads Technology. All rights reserved.

 

No part of this documentation may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted or reproduced in any way, except in accordance with the terms of the applicable software license agreement. This documentation contains proprietary information of Mindleads Technology and / or its suppliers.

 

Software products of Mindleads Technology or its sales companies may contain software components of other software producers.

 

Microsoft®, Windows®, NT® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

 

Microsoft Agent 2.0 (MS Agent) is a technology of Microsoft Corporation.


Document Conventions

Icons

 

Icon                            Meaning

 


Note

Caution

Hint

 

Typographic Conventions

 

Type Style                  Description

 


Example text

Characters or words cited according to the user interface.

Example text

Symbolizes an exact user input, involving file and folder names, as well as variable or parameter names.

<Example text>

Characterizes a variable user input. Characters or words in pointed brackets are to be replaced in the program by the user through appropriate entries.

 


Preface

 

Today, transfer of knowledge becomes increasingly important. Business processes rapidly change, infrastructures are constantly being modernized – additional knowledge and new skills are needed and must be accessible to employees in the fastest and most efficient manner. Classical schooling or generic training manuals are in today’s economical growing demands barely sufficient. Tutorix sets the pattern for new measures in the area of electronic learning (e-learning), be it to indoctrinate users in new software applications or to make business processes accessible to employees in company wide interactive form.

Tutorix is suitable for continuous studies, as well as initial training for the implementation of new software solutions.

 

What is Tutorix?

 

Tutorix is an innovative and modern tool, which helps you to create interactive self learning units called tutorials and make them available to your employees. Your employees aren’t completely alone: By using a Tutorix compiled learning unit (tutorial), you will be guided through the entire learning process with a simulated intelligent agent. With the tutorials your employees will become familiar with new applications and business processes in the easiest fashion. All workflows may be independently simulated, without actual learning tools being installed on the employees PC, hence only relevant schooling information will be passed on.

 

Tutorix offers various options for the preparation and distribution of know how corporation wide and amends in an ideal way the concept of training of your corporation.

 

A possible use for the Tutorix generated tutorials is the indoctrination of operation of a new software or an appointed work process without the help of a human instructor. For the education of a software product it need not be actually installed by the user of the tutorial, Tutorix makes the surface of a software visible for all users through screenshots.

 

You will find an example of this on the enclosed CD-ROM, on which the operation of Tutorix, with help of a tutorial, can be easily learned. If you have downloaded Tutorix from the internet, you will find additional tutorials for applications of Tutorix under http://www.mindleads.com

 

A tutorial may be sent via email to all users of a PC or it may be made available over the network to a variety of users. The tutorials may be used at work, as well as at home or en route with a laptop. The user could learn at his own pace and repeat the units as often as required. The prerequisite for playback of tutorials is only the installation of the Tutorix Player software on the users computer.


System Requirements

Hardware

 

The following hardware equipment is necessary for installation and use of Tutorix software:

 

Minimum:

 

  • Pentium or similar Processor 200 MHz
  • 32 MB of RAM for Windows 95/98/ME
  • 64 MB  of RAM for Windows NT/2000/XP
  • 40 MB free disk space for installation
  • 80 MB free disk space for the use of Tutorix Editor
  • CD-ROM drive, if you install Tutorix by CD-ROM
  • Display resolution of 800 x 600 pixels, 256 colors

 

Recommended:

 

  • Pentium or similar Processor >500 MHZ
  • 64 MB of RAM for Windows 95/98/ME
  • 128 MB of RAM for Windows NT/2000/XP
  • 40 MB free disk space for installation
  • > 1 GB free disk space for the use of Tutorix Editor
  • Soundcard for speech output
  • CD-ROM drive, if you install Tutorix by CD-ROM
  • Display resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels, 65536 colors

 

Software

 

Tutorix runs on following operating systems:

 

  • Microsoft Windows 95 B or higher (OSR-2 Release)
  • Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Millenium Edition (Windows ME)
  • Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 (SP6 or higher required)
  • Microsoft Windows 2000
  • Microsoft Windows XP
  • Microsoft Windows 2003 Server

 

 

 

Windows NT4 / 2000 / XP / 2003 require computer administrator rights for installation.


Install Tutorix

 

In general, the installation process runs without interruption. Depending upon the version of your operating system, it may be necessary to update some system components. The installation program automatically detects the required system components and downloads them from the internet if necessary. If you do not have access to the internet, please contact the support team of Mindleads Technology.

 

Install from CD-ROM

 

  • Close all windows and/or programs. Insert the Tutorix Editor CD-ROM.

 

  • Wait until the Tutorix installation software starts. Depending upon your hardware equipment this process can take from a few seconds up to one minute.

 

Install from Installation File (Download)

 

  • Double click the file TutorixEditor20EN.exe.

 

  • Wait until the Tutorix installation software starts. Depending upon your hardware equipment, this process can take from a few seconds up to one minute.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The installation software is able to detect previous versions of Tutorix. Upon detecting an existing installation of an older version, an update will be initiated.

 

Before a new installation can be done, you must quit Tutorix software. If Tutorix Editor or Tutorix Player is running on your system, close both programs before you continue with a new installation.

 


Installation Process

 

1.     The window below appears. Click Next to start the installation process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



2.     Carefully read the license agreement and select I accept the terms in the license agreement if you agree to the license conditions.

 

 Click Next to continue.

 

 

 

 

 



3.     Enter your full name and organization in the text boxes User Name and Organization.

 

In general, Tutorix software is installed for all users. Choose Only for me if you want to install Tutorix only for the currently logged on user. This provides program icons in the start menu that are not visible for other users.

 

Click Next to continue.

 

 

 

 

 



4.     You can change the directory in which Tutorix will be installed. The setup program suggests to install Tutorix in your default program files folder.

 

In order to install Tutorix in a different directory, select Custom and enter the path you prefer in the next appearing window.

 

The installation software installs MS agent components on your system. These are required for the correct function of Tutorix. Deselect the checkbox under Install MS agent components if you are sure that they are already installed on your system.

 

Click Next  to continue.

 

 

 

 



5.     Select the desired languages which you want to use for speech output. You can install any of the following languages:

 

·        english (will be installed as default)

·        german

·        french

·        italian

·        spanish

·        dutch

·        portuguese

 

Click Next  to continue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


It may occur, that you will be asked during installation to reboot the system. Click NO on all appearing ‘Restart Windows’ dialogues.


6.     Select the agent which you want to install on your system. The ‘Genie’ Agent will be installed on your system as default. The following agents are available for selection:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Click Next  to continue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Due to legal license reasons, only four agents are covered in the software. You may install at any time agents from third party vendors and utilize them with Tutorix.


7.     The installation software creates program icons on your desktop. However, if you don’t wish to have them, clear the checkbox under Create program icons on desktop.

 

Click on Install, to begin with copying data files. Installation may take several minutes.

 

If the installation program points to a running program, try to close it.

 

 

 



8.     Wait until installation has finished and click on Finish.

 

You now have the choice to start the Tutorix program. In this case select the checkbox Launch Tutorix Editor and click on Finish.

 

 

 



Application of Tutorix

Getting started

 

Before you start with recording or editing a tutorial, you shall make yourself familiar with functions of the toolbar icons. They will ease your work with Tutorix, since they can be called directly.

 

Icons        Description

 


New. Closes opened tutorials and prepares Tutorix for the recording of a new tutorial.

Open. Opens existing tutorials (.tux file).

Save. Saves newly recorded tutorials and modifications.

Print. Prints an opened tutorial to the default printer of the system.

Cut. Cuts a selected (marked) step and copies it into the Tutorix cache.

Copy. Copies the previously selected step.

Paste. Pastes the cached step below the selected step.

Delete. Deletes the previously selected step.

Record. Prepares Tutorix for the recording of a new tutorial.

Pause. Interrupts temporarily the current recording of a tutorial. Re-clicking the button continues the recording process.

Stop. Stops the current recording.

Play Current Step. Plays the selected step according to defined attributes under Properties.

Plays the first step of a tutorial (only in Play Mode).

Plays the previous step (only in Play Mode).

Plays the next step (only in Play Mode).

Plays the last step of a tutorial (only in Play Mode).

Opens the properties window (Properties).


Edit Mode

 

The Edit Mode serves only for reviewing and editing a tutorial and correcting or upgrading newly created raw versions of tutorials.

 

In the following paragraphs it is explained, which modifications on tutorials in Edit Mode can be done (i.e. copying steps of tutorials, pasting or deleting positions, gestures, fields of interaction, changing text and voice of an agent or naming individual steps of a tutorial).

 

If you execute steps in Edit Mode according to the instruction of an agent, they will not be verified by the agent upon correct execution; this occurs only in Play Mode.

 

Play Mode

 

In Play Mode the agent verifies if the instruction, which is issued to every step, is executed correctly. Upon correct execution of a step, the agent displays the Edit Mode defined Success Animation and moves to the next step. If instructions are not executed correctly, the agent displays the Edit Mode Failure Animation.

 

The various gestures of the agent are illustrated in detail in the section Customizing Gestures of the Agent on page 25.

 

If the agent reports that the step wasn’t executed correctly, another attempt can be made to execute the instructions correctly.

 

If you forget the instructions, click the icon Play current Step : The agent will advise you, which mouse or keyboard actions you must execute.

 

 

Tutorix consists primarily of two components; Tutorix Editor and Tutorix Player. The editor comprises the Edit Mode, which enables recording and editing of a tutorial as well as the Play Mode, in which the tutorials can be played. The Player serves merely for playing tutorials by the user.


Record Tutorials

General

 

The creation of a tutorial is performed in two major steps:

 

·       Creating raw version (recording)

·       Editing raw version (editing)

 

After recording a raw version, it must be edited and adjusted to satisfy the demands of the user. The single interaction steps could be expanded and the voice output modified and specified.

 

The fields of interaction which mark the position of a keyboard input or a mouse click, could be adjusted to the extent of the actual requirements. In addition, an individual task description could be added to each of the single steps.

 

Since the subsequent amendments should not be time consuming, we do recommend before recording a new tutorial the following:

 

 

·       Make sure that the sequence of the recording is known precisely.

 

·       Go through the entire sequence without Tutorix and note down, if required, where components of the recording are to be located. Start all required applications before you begin with the recording, since during the phase of recording all mouse / keyboard actions should be kept to a minimum.

 

·        Consider recording slowly. If you execute steps too fast, your PC may not have sufficient resources.

 

·        Make sure that your monitor resolution is set for 1024 x 768 pixels, since this resolution is most appropriate for recording a tutorial.

 

·        If you want to create large tutorials (>50 steps), make sure that sufficient disk space is available. Up to 3 MB could be used temporarily per recorded step, i.e. your computer must have, for example, for 100 steps, 300 MB disk space for usage.


 

Tutorix constantly examines available disk space during recording and interrupts the recording if disk space is insufficient. Recording cannot be continued after interruption.

 

Recording of Raw Version

 

Before you start with recording, select a desired agent and language for your new tutorial. If you fail to do so, default language (English) is automatically used and the Default Agent  defined under program settings [Extras, Options] is utilized.

 

 

Under ‘Agent Character’ you can choose the desired agent. By default, four agents are available (Genie, Merlin, Peedy und Robby).

In the Menu under [Extras, Options, Default Agent] you have the possibility to define one of the four agents as default. The chosen agent appears everytime you start Tutorix. The agent is also used for a new recording. Alternatively, you can select ‘no agent’ (No Character) , hence only the bubble is displayed.

 

By clicking on Agent Language, you can designate the language of the agent (English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch or Portuguese). Under Agent Voice you have the possibility to impart your agent either a male or a female voice. You may even select ‘no voice’, the speech output follows the bubble of the agent.

 

Before you begin with recording of a new tutorial, make sure that all open tutorials are closed. Click on the Record icon  or select Record in the Menu under Extras.

 

 

 

You have the possibility to continue with an open or newly created tutorial. This means, the recording will be appended to the already loaded tutorial. To achieve this, select in the Menu Extras the the item Append.

 


The below window appears. You have the following possibilities:

 

 

·        Full screen recording without taskbar records the entire screen without the taskbar.

 

·        Full screen recording including taskbar records the entire screen.

 

·        Record only active application window records only the used screen, meaning the program which ought to be recorded.

 

Click on OK, to begin recording.

 

The flashing icon  on the taskbar indicates that the recording phase has started. Once you click the record icon  the Tutorix window is automatically minimized, so that access to the desktop or to open windows can be provided.

 

Tutorix records everything entered by keyboard or mouse from this point on. Therefore, Tutorix records also passwords and codes as clear text! If your tutorial contains passwords, make sure that they can be passed on safely or change them retroactively.

 

If you want to interrupt your recording, click the left mouse button on the flashing icon on the taskbar and select in the Menu Pause. The flashing icon  will be replaced through a Pause icon . During the pause, Tutorix records no mouse or keyboard actions at all. To end the pause, re-click the Pause icon  on the taskbar. If you maximize the Tutorix window during the recording phase of a tutorial, the Pause mode will be activated automatically. After you have recorded the desired production step, click the Stop icon , or click with the left mouse button on the flashing icon  on the taskbar, followed by Stop, or select Stop in the Menu under Extras.

 

Before you begin post editing, it is recommended to play the newly recorded tutorial to estimate how many corrections, modifications or enhancements must be done.

 

Numerical inputs may not be entered through the numeric pad (numbers on the right of the keyboard). Use for this purpose the numerical series, located above the alphabet on the keyboard.


Edit Tutorials

 

Before you commence editing, make sure that Tutorix is set to Edit Mode:

 

 

Rework Raw Version

 

Reworking of a tutorial comprises primarily of the following:

 

  1. Verify if all steps were executed correctly
  2. Adjust the size of fields of interaction
  3. Optimize the position of the agent
  4. Adjust modified position of gestures of the agent
  5. Change text in bubbles
  6. Specify steps individually
  7. Task description
  8. Short description of the tutorial

 

Verification of Steps

 

The steps of your new tutorial are displayed upon completion of recording in a step tree.

 

Work through the tutorial step by step (by clicking with the left mouse button on the appropriate steps) and verify, if the mouse and keyboard actions are recorded on all steps correctly.

 

You have the possibility to delete redundant or duplicate steps, by clicking the icon  or by selecting in the Menu under Step the item Delete Step.

 

To copy a step, click on the  icon or select in the Menu Step the item Copy Step.

 

To cut a step and to copy it into the cache, click on the  icon or select in the Menu Step the item Cut Step.

 

To paste a step, a step must be copied previously. To paste, click on the  icon or select in the Menu Step the item Paste Step.

 

The newly inserted step appears below the selected steps.


Selecting steps:

 

 

 

Before you are able to copy, cut or delete a step, it must first be selected (marked).

 

 

To play the current step, click on the  icon or select in the Menu Navigation the item Play current Step.

 

To play the next step, click on the  icon or select in the Menu Navigation the item Play next Step.

 

To play the previous step, click on the  icon or select in the Menu Navigation the item Play previous Step.

 

To play the last step of a tutorial, click on the  icon or select in the Menu Navigation the item Play last Step.

 

To play the first step of a tutorial, click on the  icon or select in the Menu Navigation the item Play first Step.

 

In the step tree you see under the red arrows a figure of a mouse , if a mouse interaction is stipulated, and an illustration of a keyboard , if a keyboard interaction has been anticipated.

 

In this example of a step tree, steps are nominated by default as 1. Step, 2. Step etc. In the paragraph Individual Nomination of Single Steps on page 37 you will learn, how you can rename the steps.


Field Size of Interaction

 

Tutorix attempts to automatically measure the movement of a mouse or keyboard input. If unsuccessful, the default size is used, and the size of the field of interaction must be reworked. Example:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


You have the possibility to click with the mouse on the pages or edges (below red marked) of the field of interaction and to drag it into the desired length and width.

 

To move the fields of interaction as a whole, click on it and hold the mouse button. Drag the field of interaction with the mouse to the desired position.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


It is recommended to arrange the size of the mouse or keyboard field of interaction, to correspond with the measures of the recorded (inactive) area.

 

In the example above, the field of interaction contains new the entire marked menu item.


Adjust Position of Agent

 

The default position (auto position) of your agent is located on the right hand side of the field of interaction. However, you have the possibility to change the position of the agent through individual steps.

 

To change the position of the agent, click with the left mouse button on the agent and drag it to the desired position. The Auto Position (default position) of the agent is automatically switched off and you can now choose the new position of the agent. To restore Auto Position, select the checkbox Auto Position.

 

 

 


Don’t forget to fit the gestures of the agent to its new position.

 

Adjust Gesture Right of Agent

 

The default gesture of your agent (‘Gesture Right’’, i.e. pointing with the right arm to the field of interaction) will be utilized automatically by each step, unless you change it. If the default gesture does not fit the current position of the agent or you wish to insert in the individual steps different gestures, click on the Properties  icon of the relevant step and choose the tab Agent Behavior.

 


1.     Under Play Animation select the gestures of the agent, that refer the user in Play Mode.

 

Below are some of the most used gestures of Play Animation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


          GestureRight          GestureLeft       GestureUp           GestureDown

          (gesture right)           (gesture left)        (gesture up)           (gesture down)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


                         Announce               Explain                 -None-

                         (announce)               (explain)                  (no gesture)

 

 

2.     Under Success Animation select the gesture of agent that should notify the user, when the requested action from the agent in Play Mode has been successfully executed.

 

Below are some of the most used gestures of Success Animation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


                       Congratulate          Greet                 Wave

                       (congratulate)           (greet)                (wave)


3.     Under Failure Animation select the gesture of agent that should notify the user in Play Mode, when the requested action from the agent has not been executed correctly.

 

Below are some of the most used gestures of Failure Animation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


                                                                    

                                 Decline              Confused                Sad

                           (decline)              (confused)               (sad)

 

 

The Success- and Failure  gestures of the agent are only executed upon playing a tutorial in Play Mode from Tutorix Editor or by playing a tutorial with Tutorix-Player.

 

If you wish to test how a gesture will appear in Play Mode, click the button  (Play Animation).

 

 

To apply the selected gesture to all other steps of the tutorial, click the button  (Apply to all Steps).

 

 

Not all agents from third party vendors have the same animations in their ‘repertoire’. By selecting the agent, the list of available animations is automatically updated. If you use an agent from a third party vendor, it is possible that not all animations are available.

 


Changing Text in Bubbles

 

You may customize default texts that are utilized during recording of a tutorial according to your demands.

 

Click on the properties icon  and select the tab Speech.

 

 

You can now change the text that is displayed in the bubble. If you then click Test, you can review the new speech output directly. By clicking Preset, the original text (default template) of the bubble is restored.

 

Caution: The selected agent and the chosen language are stored in the .tux file when the tutorial is saved. This means that the default agent and default language are used automatically if the .tux file is opened on a computer where the selected language has not been installed.

 

If you created and saved a tutorial for example in German and the user of the tutorial has not installed ‘German’, the users speech output will be in English (default language).

 

 

However, only default texts in bubbles are translated automatically. If you have made changes in bubbles in ‘Edit Mode’, they will (if saved language in .tux file has not been installed on the users computer) not be translated in default language. This means that you must translate changed bubble texts into English, if the user of the tutorial has not installed your chosen language.


Dispense Bubble Text Randomly

 

 

With the Alternate button you can add multiple, diverse texts to the same bubble text. The texts are separated with the ‘|’ symbol. By playing the bubble text, a text is played randomly. This is to provide the user more variety in the speech output; i.e. the agent appears ‘lively’.

 

Example: Click on the continue button to begin with installation.|To begin with installation click on the continue button.

 

According to the example above, one of the following texts are issued randomly:

 

1)       Click on the continue button to begin with installation.

 

2)    To begin with installation click on the continue button.

 


Bubble Events

 

 

The texts in bubbles are event-dependent. According to the action of the user, various events are being generated, leading to diverse speech outputs of the agent. Switch to Play Mode, to test the user defined bubble texts.

 

The events correspond to either a mouse or keyboard interaction. The events are characterized through appropriate symbols. Tutorix is acquainted with the following events:

 

*     Play Step (Play Step)

This text is being used for playing a step. Its purpose is to inform the user, what action will be performed by the appropriate step.

 

*     Outside of Field of Interaction (Outside of Frame)

This text appears in the bubble, if the user has operated the mouse button outside the field of interaction.

 

*     Left Mouse Button Expected (Left mouse button expected)

The user has made a mouse click within the field of interaction, but clicked the wrong mouse button. The left mouse button is expected.

 

*     Right Mouse Button Expected (Right mouse button expected)

The user has made a mouse click within the field of interaction, but clicked the wrong mouse button. The right mouse button is expected.

 

*     Double- Click Expected (Double-click expected)

The user has made a mouse click within the field of interaction; however, a double click is required.

 


 

*     Incorrect Input (Incorrect input)

The input in the field of interaction is not correct. The event is caused, when the input does not correspond with the Interaction / Task / Expected User Input field. A variable may be used to utilize the text that the user has entered into the bubble text field of the agent.

 

Example: You have entered %input% instead of notepad.exe

 

In the example above, the text in the bubble is adjusted according to the input of the user. If the user has entered word.exe, the output would be:

 

You have entered word.exe instead of notepad.exe

 

*     Upper and Lower Case Invalid (Case-sensitive input)

This event is caused, if the user has entered input correctly; however, he has not adhered to case sensitivity. Refer to the paragraph Configure Fields of Interaction.

 

*     Completing Input (Finish input)

This text appears in the bubble if an input must be completed with a triggerkey. For example it will be indicated upon (correct) input of notepad.exe, that the user must press the Enter key for completion.

 

*     Wrong Pressing of Triggerkey (Wrong triggerkey pressed)

This event is caused when the user has hit the wrong triggerkey. You may use the variable %key%, to let the wrong input flow into the bubble text. The users pressed button will automatically be translated into the particular language. Example:

 

You have pressed the %key% key instead of the Enter key, try it once again.

 

If the user pressed the Escape button for completion, the text in the bubble would be the following:

 

You have pressed the Escape key instead of the Enter key, try it once again.


Configure Fields of Interaction

 

In Edit Mode you can configure the fields of interaction of single steps.

 

This means you can change the requested mouse or keyboard interaction that must be executed when playing the tutorial in Play Mode.

Click on the icon Properties  and select the tab Interaction / Task.

 

 

Keyboard Interaction

 

If the current step requires a keyboard interaction (user input and/or triggerkey), the field keyboard is activated (labeled black button). In the example above, no triggerkey is required.

 

The field Keyboard is set for ‘None’. In contrast, in the field Expected User Input text is written, and must be entered through the keyboard by this step of the tutorial into the designated field.

 

You can now modify both the nature of the triggerkeys, as well as the input text to be entered by the user. This is useful for example if misspellings have occurred during recording or if you have forgotten parts of the text or the application of the triggerkey during recording.

 

By a keyboard interaction, either a triggerkey must be selected or text must be entered or both.

 

You can define the following triggerkeys:

 

Escape, Return, Tab, Insert, Delete, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down,

CtrlACtrlZ, Ctrl0 – Ctrl9, F1 – F12

 


Defining Multiple Triggerkeys

 

 

You have the possibility to define multiple triggerkeys, so that the next step can be played if one of the triggerkeys has been hit. Choose ‘Define Several Keys’ and click on the Edit button. The following configuration window appears:

 

 

In the example above, two triggerkeys are defined: Return and Escape.

 

Click on the ‘More’ button or ‘Fewer’ to expand or reduce the configuration window. You can define up to five different triggerkeys.

 


Mouse Interaction

 

 

In the example above, a mouse interaction (left mouse button, right mouse button, double click) is demanded, therefore the field Mouse is activated. You have the possibility to modify or correct the demanded mouse action.

 

Example: During recording you have executed a double-click, although only one click with the left mouse button was required. This can be corrected easily: Click on the field ‘Mouse’ and select Left click. By playing of tutorials in Play Mode a mouse click with the left mouse button will now be expected by the relevant step.

Additional Options for Keyboard Field of Interaction

 

If you select in Edit Mode under Properties  and Interaction/Task in the checkbox  Password Field , the input of the text Expected User Input in Play Mode will be starred i.e. ( ******* ).

 

By default, in Play Mode the expected text inputs in the tutorials can be entered in either upper or lower case. If the input of NOTEPAD is expected, the Success-Animation of the agent could also be made through the input of notepad or nOtEPad. The input case sensitivity could be enforced optionally.

 

Select in Edit Mode under Properties  and Interaction / Task the checkbox  (Case Sensitive). The user must enter the text of the relevant step in the predetermined upper and lower case, to provoke the success animation of the agent.

 

If the Case Sensitive function  is clicked, for the current step it is activated exclusively. All other steps of the tutorial, in which text inputs are expected, the function remains switched off. The option Password Field  and Case Sensitive  could only be clicked, if in the relevant step a keyboard input is expected. In contrast, if a mouse click is expected, these options are deactivated.


Change Color and Pattern of Field of Interaction

 

The fields of interaction in the tutorial may be further modified. Click on the icon Properties   of a step and select the tab Frame.

 

 

Under pattern a different pattern may be chosen, to mark the field of interaction. If you don’t wish a patterned field of interaction, select ‘None’. The field will be bordered but not patterned.

 

If you separate the fields of interaction of the individual steps by color or fit the coloring to the current screenshot, you may appoint on each step of the tutorial the color of the field.

 

By clicking Color, you may provide the field of interaction any color. For compatibility reasons with other computers it is recommended to use one of the 16 default colors.

 

Besides the 16 default colors, you have under Custom Colors the possibility to choose any color of the RGB color range.

 

You may choose in the screenshot an already used color.

 

If you click the ‘Sample Colors’ button , you can define every color of your screenshot as foreground color for the field of interaction. Use your mouse to select a color within the screenshot. In the field Current Color you see a preview of the selected color.

 

With the preview button, the relevant field of interaction receives immediately a new color. This function also serves for previewing the altered settings.

 

If you don’t wish a preview of the color, click directly on the ‘OK’ button. If you want to restore the settings, use the ‘Cancel’ button.


Position Voice Output

 

Under ‘Properties’  select the tab speech and click on the ‘Voice’ button. The window of voice settings is opened.

 

 

You may change the pitch as well as the speed of your agent. The modulation of the voice could also be changed, choose between (normal, monotone and whisper).

 

You may also emphasize individual words. At least two or more words in the field ‘Emphasize’ must be defined as voice output, separated with space characters. Double click the desired word to be emphasized in the voice output. Emphasized words are displayed graphically through the directory \Emp\. Re-click the already emphasized word to revoke the emphasis.

 

With the ‘Test’ button, all changes performed in this window can be sampled.

 

With the button ‘Set as Default’ you may apply changes of the agent voice to all steps within your tutorial. Existing voice settings in other steps will be overwritten.

 

If you click the ‘Reset’ button, all previous changes are reset, i.e. default values are used again for voice output.

 

Through the emphasis of words the modulation and understanding of the voice output can be improved. This function is especially useful for longer sentences.


Individual Nomination of Single Steps

 

In the default format of a tutorial, individual steps are indicated with Step1, Step2, etc. It is recommended, to rename the steps in the newly created tutorial with a step title.

 

You can do that by reclicking the button Properties  and selecting the tab Interaction / Task.

 

 

Enter the desired name in the field ‘Step Title’. The step tree is automatically updated.

 

If you print the tutorial, the new title of the step appears instead of the default step description 1. Step, 2. Step etc. under the heading Title on the print out.

 

 

 

In Tutorix, the changed title of steps appear not only in the step tree, but also in the status bar (symbolized as ).

 

 

 

 

Additional information in the status bar:

 

 


Amount of Steps           Step-Description (Title)                              Language        Mode (Edit/Play-Mode)


Task Description

 

It is recommended to provide the individual steps with a short description of the current task. The user of the tutorial views this description automatically by playing the step. If the tutorial is printed, the short description is viewable under the heading Task Description on the print out.

 

 

By clicking Edit, a new window appears, in which you can enter a short description for the current step. If you wish to clear the content of the window Task Description, use the ‘Clear’ button.

 

 

Note the function Template. With this function you have the possibility to copy the task description of the previous step into the current description. The copied description can then be modified.


Meaning of Icons in Task Description Window

 

 


                                                                 Cutting a selected text

 

 


                                                                 Copying a selected text

 

 


                                                                 Pasting a previously copied text

 

 


                                                                 Undo changes

 

 


                                                                 Bold

 

 


                                                                 Italic

 

 

                                                                 Underline

 

 

                                                                 Text left aligned

 

 

                                                                 Text centered

 

 

                                                                 Text right aligned

 

 

                                                                 Insert numbers

 

 

To confirm your new task description, click the OK button. To restore the original status, use the Cancel button.

 

 


Short Description of Tutorial

 

Now your created tutorial is almost finished. You can endorse your tutorial with a short description. Thus you have at any time an overview of the title, agent, language, author and creation and modification date of the tutorial.

 

To create a short description, click in the Menu on File and select Tutorial Properties or double click in the step tree the title of the tutorial (in the figure below red framed).

 

 

The window below appears. Important attributes of your tutorial can be entered or reviewed.

 

 

Additional information:

 

·       The language in which your tutorial was composed

·       The agent that you selected

·       The date when the tutorial was created

·        Date and time of the last modification on the tutorial